UK hospital shuts three wards after 'biggest' norovirus outbreak 'in four years'

08 December 2023 , 11:49

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James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough (Image: Getty Images)

A hospital has been forced to close three wards as a winter vomiting bug sweeps through patients.

James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough is experiencing its “worst norovirus outbreak for four to five years” with nurses urging people with symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea to stay at home so it doesn’t spread further.

Dr Mike Stewart, chief medical officer for the South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We've spent the last few days managing the first norovirus, or winter vomiting virus, outbreak in the organisation. And it's the biggest outbreak we've had in probably the last four or five years.

"The one good thing about Covid was everybody's really strict attention to hygiene had benefits in terms of reducing risk of other infections. We've currently got three wards closed due to a norovirus, which is adding to the pressures. There's outbreaks of norovirus in communities and hospitals across England," he told a board of directors' meeting on Wednesday, December 6. Jo Carter, lead nurse for infection prevention and control at the trust, later said: "Norovirus, often known as the winter vomiting bug, causes diarrhoea and/or vomiting and is highly contagious."

The 'winter vomiting bug' is notorious for spreading rapidly during the colder months and earlier this year cases reached their highest level in a decade, reports Teeside Live. The UKHSA, which monitors outbreaks, says norovirus is highly contagious, but normally does not last much more than a couple of days. An expert has warned hand sanitiser is not enough to stop its spread.

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There are six main symptoms of the virus, which often affects care homes and schools the most, with inhabitants of both spreading the virus to their families before it gets into the wider community.

The main symptoms of norovirus:

• Vomiting
• Watery diarrhoea
• Feeling sick
• Aching arms and legs
• A high temperature
• A headache

Dr Stewart added that infection control precautions and enhanced cleaning are in place at the hospital to prevent further transmission. He said: "If you have any symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting, please do not visit the hospital as this increases the risk of transmission to our patients and staff."

Gareth Lightfoot